Ruthless Heart

Suddenly restless, I slide out of bed. I grab his robe from the back of the door, and creep out of the room. The apartment is silent, bathed in the light from the kitchen counter, and there’s plenty of space in the huge loft, but it’s not enough.

I head to the stairs and climb upwards. I know they lead to the rooftop, and right now, I need some air. Somewhere to gather my thoughts—away from Nero’s sleeping body.

I push open the door and step outside. Nero owns the whole building, and the rooftop stretches out, with an awning and lounge furniture, offering breathtaking views of the city around us, glittering in the dawn light. There’s a chill in the air, but I find it refreshing. Besides, Nero’s robe is so long that it brushes the ground, and the sleeves cover my hands.

I take a seat on one of the daybeds, looking out over the city. It’s beautiful, white and yellow lights coming from tall buildings set against an inky sky. I’ve always loved it. It’s home.

But being here with Nero?

It feels too much like home.

I loved him so much when I was younger. I would have done anything for him. If I’d been given a choice when my dad went into witness protection, I wouldn’t have gone. I would have stayed—with him. No matter what.

And of course, it would have been the end of me. Because no matter what Nero and I wanted, it wasn’t our choice, our world. Our fathers were the ones calling the shots. Mine, betraying the crooked organization he’d profited from, and Roman Barretti, out for blood, the way he always was.

And here Nero is, following in his footsteps.

I shiver. Would he really go through with it? Make an example of me and my brother, to send a message. If this vote doesn’t go his way, if I can’t get McKenna on board…

Would Nero look me in the eyes and pull the trigger? After everything.

After tonight.

I feel a desperate ache in my chest. I know I’m a fool for blurring all the lines, and letting desire send me right back into his arms, but it’s like I can’t help myself. The heart wants what it wants, and I have to admit to myself that mine has always belonged to Nero.

However stupid that may be.

I don’t know how long I sit there, turning it all over in my mind. The sun is rising when I hear a noise behind me and turn to see Nero join me. He’s only wearing pajama pants, but he doesn’t seem to be cold.

“Hey,” he says softly, taking a seat beside me. He wraps his arms around me, holding me in a warm embrace. “I wondered where you went.”

“Just wanted to watch the sunrise.” I gesture to the horizon, where the sky is painted in shades of blue, purple, pink, and orange.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been up here,” Nero looks around.

“It really is beautiful,” I say.

“Yes. It is.”

When I turn to look at him, Nero is watching me with a new intensity burning in his eyes, just as vivid as the sunrise in the sky.

My heart catches.

It’s not just desire between us anymore, it’s more than that, I know.

“Nero…” I start to say, but he stops me.

“Shh… Don’t say it. Let’s have tonight, Lily. Give me tonight.”

So I do.

Nero’s hand comes up to cup my cheek and he presses his lips to mine. I melt into the kiss, all of the uncertainty of the last few hours finally fleeing my mind as I go with my instinct.

With gentle nudging, Nero lays me back on the daybed. The robe parts as I shift, and his hand slips inside. He traces my bare skin with his fingertips, and I tremble under the light touch, electricity shooting across my body with every caress as he whispers over my breasts, my belly, dipping lightly between my thighs before tracing back up again. I moan in pleasure, but it’s a different kind to the raw, animal lust that’s fueled us so far. Soft. Luxurious.

He kisses me softly, as I finally explore the planes of his body, stroking his muscular back with my hands, drifting over the curve of his ass, the smooth skin warm under my fingers. He’s being so tender with me, I barely breathe, not wanting to break the spell as Nero’s tongue delves into my mouth. He finds the belt of the robe and unties it, exposing my body to the early morning sun. It’s exhilarating, and I spread myself beneath him like an offering.

Nero bends his head, and licks over my breasts. We’re out in the open air, but that doesn’t stop a moan from escaping me as he suckles on my nipples, alternating between flicking his tongue over the stuff bud and sucking on it until it’s taut and aching.